Reflecting its corporate energy-conscious culture and support for the Dubai Integrated Energy Strategy (DIES) 2030, Dubai Aluminium DUBAL, the wholly state-owned corporation that operates a one million metric tonne per annum primary aluminium smelter, one of the world's largest single-site smelters and the largest using pre-bake anode technology — is a strategic sponsor of the Dubai Global Energy Forum (DGEF) 2013. The event, held under the patronage of H H Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum (Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai) and organised by the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy (DSCE), will take place at Dubai World Trade Centre from 15 to 17 April 2013; and is the first forum on clean-energy related issues to be held in the city.

DGEF 2013 is the second such meeting and follows on the success of DGEF 2011. The forum will again bring together global energy experts who will share their knowledge and experience on the role of clean energy in sustainability. The overall objective is to promote discussions and analyses that will lead to real and sustained improvements in the generation and usage of power. DUBAL’s Tayeb Al Awadhi (Vice President: Power and Desalination) is among the line-up of speakers. He will present two initiatives implemented recently within the DUBAL Power and Desalination Plants to illustrate the company’s innovative approach to energy optimisation, namely the retrofitment of more modern, energy-efficient components in the original brine re-circulation and seawater supply pumps installed at the DUBAL Desalination Plant; and the installation of an absorption chiller to replace electrically-driven air-conditioning units. The latter project is the first installation of its kind in a power plant in the UAE.

DGEF 2013 coincides with the Water, Energy, Technology and Environment Exhibition (“WETEX”) 2013, of which DUBAL is also a strategic sponsor. “Our sponsorship of both DGEF 2013 and WETEX 2013 reflects the depth of DUBAL’s commitment to finding sustainable energy solutions for our country, and the world,” says Abdulla Kalban (President & CEO). “As a member of the DSCE, DUBAL is an active proponent of DIES 2030, which has set a dynamic direction for Dubai to secure a sustainable supply of energy and enhance demand efficiency, while ensuring a balanced approach to protecting the environment. DIES 2030 is thus fully aligned with the UAE 2021 Vision, which lays the foundations for a green economy – which entails maintaining a sustainable environment which also supports long-term economic growth.”

Kalban explains that DUBAL has whole-heartedly implemented the initiatives mandated by the DSCE in April 2011 – resulting in energy-savings of approximately 17,375,000 kWh over the initial 21 months since implementing the directives (i.e. to end-December 2012). DUBAL’s overall target is energy-savings of approximately 22,000,000 kWh per year by the end of 2013. DUBAL is also playing an active role in other initiatives to fulfil DIES 2030, including an investment of AED 20 million in the Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Solar Park announced by the DSCE in February 2012, where Phase I will yield 10 megawatt (MW) by 2013 and the project is planned to be scaled-up in the future. In addition, DUBAL is participating in a feasibility study relating to the establishment of clean coal-fired power stations in the UAE.

“As an energy-intensive business, we are acutely aware of DUBAL’s responsibilities towards both energy demand abatement and the development of sustainable energy solutions. Our captive power station strives continually for optimal energy efficiency: thanks to its cogeneration and combined cycle configuration, approximately 36.8 per cent of the power generated at DUBAL is fuel-free; and in 2012 the thermal efficiency of our power plant was 44.25 per cent. On-going innovation in our reduction technologies targets, among other aspects, reduced energy consumption – which declined to 14.73 kWh/kg aluminium in 2012,” Kalban says. “We invite all DGEF 2013 delegates to visit the DUBAL stand at WETEX 2013 to find out more about our efforts in energy-conservation – specifically our unique cogeneration installation, and our advanced reduction technologies.”

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Background information

Dubai Aluminium Company Limited (Dubal) owns and operates one of the world's largest aluminium smelters. Built on a 480-hectare site in Jebel Ali, the complex's major facilities comprise a 980,000 metric tonne per annum primary aluminium smelter, a 2,350 megawatt power station, a large carbon plant, casting operations with a capability of more than 1,276,000 metric tonnes per annum, a 30 million gallon per day seawater desalination plant, laboratories, port, and storage facilities.

Dubai Aluminium Company Limited (Dubal) owns and operates one of the world's largest aluminium smelters. Built on a 480-hectare site in Jebel Ali, the complex's major facilities comprise a 980,000 metric tonne per annum primary aluminium smelter, a 2,350 megawatt power station, a large carbon plant, casting operations with a capability of more than 1,276,000 metric tonnes per annum, a 30 million gallon per day seawater desalination plant, laboratories, port, and storage facilities.

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Established in 2003 to give a breath of fresh air to the local and regional PR industry, Arabia PR continues to deliver best-practice communications consulting through its team of highly experienced journalists and PR experts with decades of combined pan-Arab journalism and public relations experience.